George W. Bush calls Rich DeVos 'one of great Americans of our time'

Posted September 7, 2018 at 9:40 AM

Former President George W. Bush speaks at a memorial service for Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018. McCain died Aug. 25, from brain cancer at age 81. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) AP (Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Vice President Mike Pence and former President George W. Bush are remembering Rich DeVos as a "generous philanthropist" and one of "great Americans of our time."

Richard Marvin DeVos, the co-founder of Amway the co-founder of Amway Corp. and owner of the Orlando Magic basketball team, died Thursday, Sept. 6, at the age of 92.

In a statement, Bush wrote that DeVos was a businessman who bettered those around him.

"Laura and I are saddened to learn that Rich DeVos has passed away. Rich was one of the great entrepreneurs - and great Americans - of our time," Bush wrote."He used his business to empower others and advance the universal values of freedom, opportunity, compassion, and personal responsibility. Rich made his country and his community better, and he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

"I know his family will miss him dearly. Laura and I send all the DeVoses our sincere sympathies, and we hope they take comfort in knowing that Rich and Helen are united again."

Pence wrote on Twitter that DeVos was a formidable figure of conservative politics and "pillar of his community."

"Saddened to hear of the passing of Richard DeVos, a towering figure in American business and conservative politics," Pence said. "DeVos was a generous philanthropist and pillar of his community. His family and loved ones are in my prayers. He will be missed."

DeVos' daughter-in-law, Betsy DeVos, currently serves in President Donald Trump's administration as the U.S. Education secretary.

The philanthropist, political contributor and community leader was one of the world's wealthiest and West Michigan's most prominent.

In 1959, DeVos co-founded Amway with his high school friend Jay Van Andel. The company with Ada roots grew into a billion-dollar enterprise, employing 20,000 worldwide.